Ausangate Stargazing Trek 3 Day Andean Night Sky Adventure

3‑Day Ausangate Stargazing Trek – Andean Night Sky AdventureEscape the lights and crowds and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear skies of the Andes. This three-day journey near Ausangate blends high-altitude trekking with breathtaking night-time astrophotography:

• Pure remote wilderness – Leave behind the city and drive deep into the Vilcanota Mountains. Trek through a pristine Andean landscape of glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and vibrant wildlife—untouched and serene. 
  
• World-class stargazing & astrophotography – With virtually no light pollution and high altitude, the conditions are ideal for capturing the Milky Way, star clusters, and Southern Hemisphere constellations. Spend multiple nights camping under a star-filled sky, camera at the ready.
  
• Guided by seasoned experts – Led by professional guides knowledgeable in both Andean trekking and astrophotography, ensuring you’re in the optimal position for night-time shots.
  
• Comfortable camping & local culture – Set up basecamp near stunning Andean scenery. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals and experience warm Quechua hospitality in local communities.
  
• Ideal for all skill levels – Whether you’re new to star photography or an experienced astrophotographer, this trip offers guidance, support, and the opportunity to practice long-exposure techniques in a spectacular setting.
  

Itinerary day by day

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Ninaparayoq (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)

Drive + Trek time: ~6 hours
Photography Focus: Mountain reflections, golden light, natural hot springs, high-altitude nightscapes
We depart early from Cusco and drive to the highland village of Pacchanta, where herds of alpacas and traditional adobe homes set the scene for a truly Andean welcome. After a soothing break at the natural hot springs—surrounded by epic views of the Ausangate massif—we begin our short trek to the remote campsite of Ninaparayoq.
This peaceful alpine valley, nestled beneath towering peaks, offers a spectacular setting for landscape photography. As we arrive and set up camp, the golden hour begins to paint the glaciers with warm, dramatic tones. The light here is soft, directional, and clean—perfect for long-lens mountain portraits and wide-angle landscape compositions.

 Nightscape Photography at NinaparayoqWhen the sun sets behind Ausangate, the night sky reveals its full power. With no light pollution and high-altitude clarity, Ninaparayoq becomes a photographer’s paradise for astrophotography.
 Best Night Shots:

• Milky Way rising behind jagged Andean peaks
  
• Tents glowing under the stars with snowy summits as a backdrop
  
• Reflections in nearby ponds of stars and mountain silhouettes
  
• Star trails circling above Ausangate’s glacier-capped crown
  

Pro tip: Use a foreground element like a glowing tent, cairn, or frozen stream to create depth and scale in your night compositions. At this altitude, the air is crystal clear—your stars will be sharp, and the Milky Way’s detail is breathtaking.
This is one of the most rewarding locations for remote, high-altitude astrophotography in the Andes.

Day 2: Ninaparayoq – Azulqocha (Approx. 4,500 m / 14,764 ft)

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Photography Focus: Remote alpine valleys, surreal glacial colors, and next-level nightscapes
Today’s route takes us deeper into the heart of the wild Andes. From Ninaparayoq, we cross undulating trails flanked by untouched mountain terrain and arrive at the remote and photogenic Azulqocha Lake, named for its stunning blue hue. The surrounding peaks rise like silent giants, perfectly framing this glacial jewel.
📸 Golden Hour: As the sun dips low, the high-altitude light turns buttery soft, casting golden tones on the surrounding ridgelines. The contrast of warm light on icy blues creates an otherworldly visual palette—perfect for wide-angle storytelling shots and moody edits.

Nightscape Magic at AzulqochaOnce the sun disappears, the real show begins. Azulqocha at night is an absolute gift for photographers. The high elevation, lack of light pollution, and dramatic mountain silhouettes make this one of the most surreal night photography locations in the Andes.
 Nightscape Highlights:

• Milky Way arches stretching across jagged peaks
  
• Still water reflections of stars and constellations
  
• Foreground options: glowing tents, boulders, or lakeside textures
  
• Star trails or time-lapses with clear celestial motion
  

This is your chance to create truly epic high-altitude astro landscapes. Be sure to scout your composition during the day, and prepare for both wide panoramic shots and intimate low-light scenes.
 Pro Tip: Use a red headlamp to light your tent or rocks without blowing out your exposure. Azulqocha offers clean compositions, minimal distractions, and that rare combination of glacier, lake, and cosmos all in one frame.

Day 3: Azulqocha – Pacchanta – Return to Cusco

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Drive time to Cusco: ~6 hours
Photography Focus: Early morning light, reflections, rural Andean scenes, and a final nightscape opportunity before the city lights
Our final morning begins on the peaceful shores of Laguna Azulqocha, a glassy alpine lake cradled by snowcapped peaks. Before breaking camp, rise early to capture pre-dawn light and sunrise over the still waters. The quiet of the morning, broken only by the occasional ripple or birdcall, creates an ideal setting for moody, reflective shots.
As we descend toward Pacchanta, we pass by herds of alpacas and farmers tending to their land—a final opportunity to capture authentic highland life. The mountains slowly give way to wide valleys and mineral-rich streams.

 Nightscape Photography: Pacchanta (optional before departure)If timing allows, Pacchanta offers one last window into the Andean night sky before we head back to Cusco. With minimal light pollution and clear air, the stars feel impossibly close. From this vantage point, the silhouettes of Ausangate and neighboring peaks create the perfect foreground for dramatic compositions.
 Best Shots:

• Milky Way arching over Ausangate
  
• Illuminated stone houses beneath a sea of stars
  
• Long exposures featuring star trails and glowing tents
  

 Pro Tip: Try light painting with red or warm tones on foreground elements like grazing alpacas, tents, or nearby rocks to add dimension and storytelling to your astro shots.
By evening, we begin our return to Cusco, bringing with us memory cards full of stars, lakes, and peaks—and hearts full of Andean magic.

Information

What’s Included
Optional Extras​
trek: Ausangate Rainbow Mountain
Group Size1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty

• Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
• DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
• Moderate schedule
• Travel by car or minibus
• Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
• (non-photographers also welcome)

Includes

• 3 Days
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (4-6 guests)
• Caping
• Breakfasts
• All Meals
• National Park Permits
• Local transportation

Accommodations
Tent

Difficulty
Very difficult: Long hikes and camping                      at high altitude

Our Peru photo trek will mainly focus on hiking and capturing the most iconic landscapes in the Ausangate trek, the world’s highest tropical mountain ranges. This time of year is perfect for hiking, as it coincides with the dry season, and ideal for astro, as it’s the peak of Milky Way season in the Southern Hemisphere, with 10+ hours of Milky Way visibility at night.

Price based per person:2025

1 person : US$1050.00 per person
2 people : US$750.00 per person
3 people: US$700.00 per person
4 people : US$650.00 per person
5 people : US$600.00 per person
6 people : US$550.00 per person
7+ people : US$500.00 per person